Page 112 of The Sinner: James

RAIN

The cars move slowlyup the road, sliding past the old trees lining the path.

The house beams with light, the summer evening bringing out the glitz and glamor of the season––shimmering gowns, shining cars, and dazzling smiles.

Wide-eyed, Eve gasps.

“It looks like a Hollywood party,” she says.

“As if you know.”

She giggles.

“How do I look?” she asks.

I give her a swift once-over.

The silver sequined gown falls perfectly over her girlish body, setting off her eyes and hair.

“Like a million bucks,” I say.

“You, too.”

Her gaze dips to my waist, her fingers brushing over the fabric, making sure the small buckle holding my black wrap gown together is fastened tightly.

“Let’s go,” I say, nudging her to the stairs.

We set ourselves in motion.

“This is a nice house,” she comments.

“It is,” I say, glancing at the master bedroom windows. “Filled with memories,” I murmur.

As big as it is, the place gets packed within the hour.

We do our best to blend in, talking with some family friends about my book and college life, in Eve’s case.

People start dancing, live music ringing in the air.

A few minutes before ten, Eve elbows me.

“Look who’s here,” she says.

I flick my eyes to the entrance and spot Daria and Nathan.

She wears a floral backless gown accessorized with golden jewelry.

They saunter straight to the backyard.

“Where are they?” Eve asks, swiveling her head and checking every car pulling in.

“I don’t know,” I murmur.

I fumble through the contents of my purse, cold sweat forming on my neck.

“Oh, shit.”

“What is it?”

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